Respirator Program

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Respirator Program
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Training Outline

• Terms and Regulation requirements
• What is a Respirator Program?
• Breathing hazards
• Types of respirators
• Fitting checking respirators
• Inspection care of respirators
• Medical limitations of using respirators

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Why Respirators

• Workers Must be Protected Who
• Are exposed to air contaminants (unknown or in
  excess of WCB OHS Reg.)
• May be exposed to IDLH atmosphere
• May be exposed to O2 deficient atmosphere
• At risk of accidental exposure

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Terms Used

• Airline respirator
• Air purifying respirator
• ALARA substance
• Canister or cartridge
• Escape respirator
• Fit check
• Fit test

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Terms Used - contd.

• HEPA filter
• IDLH
• MSDS Sheet
• Oxygen deficiency
• Qualitative fit test
• Quantitative fit test
• SCBA

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The Respirator Program

• Survey the workplace conditions
• Steps to reduce exposure
• Formally assess remaining hazards
• Select and provide respirators
• Provide fitting, tests, training

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Hazards Risk Assessment

• Determine the nature of contaminant
• Determine exposure probability
• Determine permissible exposure limit

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Respirator Selection

• Is approved for contaminant
• Can be used within concentrations expected
• Will be adequate for time reqd.
• Is the best choice for the workplace (heat,
  humidity, visibility, work mobility)
• Ensure adequate visibility

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The Breathing Hazards

• Particle hazards (dusts, fibres, mists, fumes)
• Gaseous hazards (gases and vapours)
• Oxygen deficiency
• Combination hazards

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Particle Hazards

• Formed by breakdown of solids
• Sanding
• Milling
• Cutting
• Crushing
• Grinding
• Drilling
• Irritate the airways, can cause disease
• Asbestos asbestosis
• Silica dust - silicosis

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Mists

• Very small liquid drops
• Spraying
• Shaking
• Mixing
• Stirring
• Can irritate or damage exposed areas (skin, eyes,
  lungs, airways)
• Can damage internal organs

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Fumes

• Tiny solid particles (boil off)
• Welding
• Smelting
• Soldering
• Brazing
• Exposure can range from irritation to serious
  lung nerve damage

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Gaseous Hazards

• Gases
• Carbon Monoxide
• Chlorine
• Vapours of liquids mix with air
• Solvents
• Gasoline
• Acetone
• Can enter blood damage nerves and internal
  organs

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Oxygen Deficiency

• Air is normally 21 O2
• 19.5 O2 is required
• Deficiency can develop in tanks, sewers,
  pipelines.
• Oxygen depleted due to reaction (rot, rust,
  burning)
• Oxygen is replaced by other gases

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Respirator Limitations

• The type and the uses of Respirators are limited
  STRICTLY to the selection and uses determined by
  the Corporation Respirator Program
• Specific hazards MUST be addressed by using ONLY
  the appropriate respirator

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Types of Respirators

• Air Purifying
• Single Use
• Half-face or Full-face
• Powered (air supplied)
• Supplied air
• Self-contained (SCBA)

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Air Purifying Respirators

• Single Use
• Half-face and Full-face air-purifying respirators
  (non-powered)

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Single Use Masks

• Most commonly used
• Only used against lower levels of contaminants
• Thin filter with 2 straps
• Must be formed around nose
• Eventually clogged by dusts, mists, fumes

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Disposable Donts

• Stretch the respirator over the top of a hardhat
• Fold respirators that are not designed to be
  folded
• Cut off straps
• Wear damaged or holed respirators

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Half/Full Face Respirators

• Close-seal silicone or rubber facepiece
• One or more canister/cartridges
• One-way valves
• Half mask covers nose, mouth and chin
• Full mask entire face covered

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Half/Full Face Respirators - contd.

• Half masks can be disposable or with
  maintenance/replacement parts
• Full face masks are used where eye irritants may
  be present

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Filter Efficiency

• Particulate filters screen particles only
• Chemical cartridge efficiency deteriorates
• Smell or taste contaminates
• Lungs or throat feel irritated
• End of Service indicator

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Filter Donts

• Dont use in O2 deficiency
• Dont use against very toxic gas/vapour (IDLH
  atmospheres)
• Dont use against concentrations above
  manufacturers limits
• Dont use against chemicals with poor warning
  properties

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Filter Maintenance

• Store in sealed plastic bags
• Replace filters regularly
• Date filters as they are installed
• Match proper filter with the contaminant

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Atmosphere Supplying Respirators

• Supplied-air (airline) respirators
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

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Supplied Air Types

• Hood or Helmet Airline Supplied
• No face seal
• No resistance to breathing
• Full Face Airline Supplied
• Face seal
• Positive pressure minimizes leak

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Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

• Full-face respirator with backpack air cylinder
• Fully mobile
• Up to 60 minutes of air

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Emergency Respirators

• Escape Respirators
• Used for emergency escape only
• Must be carried or within immediate reach
• Available as air purifying or air supply
• Bite-block air supply are common in pulp mills
• SCBA type with air bottle with half or full mask
  or hood

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Self-fit Checks Fit Testing
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Negative Pressure Check

• Don properly fit the respirator
• Gently cover the inlet
• Breathe in to create a vacuum
• Hold for 10 seconds
• The facepiece should collapse slightly and STAY
  collapsed

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Positive Pressure Check

• Don properly fit the respirator
• Gently cover the exhaust valve and breathe OUT
  slightly to bulge the facepiece
• The facepiece should bulge and stay out for 10
  seconds

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Cold Fit

• Very low temperatures can stiffen mask material
  (lose sealing properties)
• Allow time for material to flex
• Allow the respirator to warm-up

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Fit Testing

• Done by a qualified person
• Results are documented
• Qualitative fit test
• Is a compound detected?
• Quantitative fit test
• Concentration inside/outside is compared

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Why Fit is Important

• All contaminants MUST be excluded
• Effective SEAL is essential
• Facial hair must be clean shaven at the seal
  (including stubble)
• Eyeglass frames must not pass through sealing
  surface (use corrective respirator lenses)

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Inspecting, Cleaning Storing Respirators
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Respirator Inspection

• Inspect prior to each use
• Bend and flex the respirator
• Look for distortion
• Check the yoke for cracks
• Check the canister threads
• Check for missing gaskets
• Check the inhalation valves

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Respirator Inspection - contd.

• Examine exhalation valve and seats for damage and
  debris
• Check straps, harness, buckles
• Check strap elasticity
• Ensure cartridge is not expired
• Examine canister for damage
• Check the hose
• Correct any defects that are noted

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Cleaning

• Clean after each use, for a new user, or as
  required by the manufacturer
• Remove filters, cartridges and gaskets, head
  straps, demand and pressure valves, speaking
  diaphragms/equipment and any components
  recommended by manufacturer

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Cleaning - contd.

• Discard any defective parts
• Wash respirator components in warm water using
  mild detergent
• NEVER use solvents
• A brush may be used
• Thoroughly rinse in warm, running water
• Disinfect

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Cleaning - contd.

• Rinse again to remove disinfectant and detergent
• Drain all water and air dry (wiping with clean
  lint-free cloth is OK)
• Reassemble away from the cleaning area

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Respirator Storage

• Store in a safe place (cabinet, locker) in its
  own storage container
• Do not store with tools
• Position so facepiece, hoses and straps are not
  stretched
• Store in a plastic bag
• Seal HEPA filters with tape prior to removing
• Avoid heat or direct sunlight

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Medical Limitations
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Medical Factors

• Drug use, including alcohol
• History of breathing problems
• Breathing difficulty when exerting
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Claustrophobia
• Use of medication with heart/lung side effects or
  lowered mental alertness

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Medical Factors - contd.

• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Some vision or skin problems
• Impaired or non-existent sense of smell
• Physical factors limiting donning or adjustment
  of respirator

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Consult OH Physician

• A physician knowledgeable in occupational health
  will be consulted

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Summary

• The Respirator Program
• Terms used
• Breathing hazards
• Selection, use, inspection, care and storage of
  respirators
• Fit testing and cleaning procedures
• Medical factors

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Questions?